I can’t believe how fast this season has been moving – time really flies when you’ve been in the league as long as I have. We are already almost halfway through, and the All-Star break is going to be here before we know it. As a team, I think we’ve been on a roll as of late, and if you take a look at who we’ve beat recently, they’re some of today’s most high caliber teams. I think if we can stay healthy, and focus on rebounding and finishing out games, we have a great chance of going deep into the playoffs. I know we have the mindset and the mentality in place, and now we just have to continue competing the way we have been and get the job done. Our first and only goal is to bring home Banner 18 to the city of Boston.

One of the things that has stood out the most to me so far this year is the way the rookies have really fit into our program. They’ve meshed very well with all of us and haven’t played like your typical rookies. I’ve especially liked the play of Jared Sullinger. He’s been a great addition to our squad and has excelled for us, especially with his tenacity on the boards. He’s one of the best rookies in the league right now, and he deserves to be in the Rookie-Sophomore game at the All-Star break.

We’ve been a completely different team with Avery back in the line-up. He’s really given us a shot in the arm. Having his presence on the defensive end has strengthened our play and given us that competitive fire that we were lacking. He brings a whole other level of intensity to our ball club, and I think he’s also surprised some people outside of our team with his ability to knock down the open shot when he gets them. It feels good to have him back out there, and the key for us will be to keep everyone healthy as we head into the All-Star break.

You guys know that I take any chance I can to talk about one of my favorite rivalries. Being from Inglewood and a Celtic for life, there’s nothing better in my opinion than a Celtics vs. Lakers matchup. I know the Lakers have been struggling recently, but don’t write them off just yet. They have one of the best starting five in the league. Now that they have Nash back, I’m sure he’ll get those guys gelling and flowing again. You can never count a veteran team like theirs out as you get towards the end of the season and into the playoffs. Glad we won’t have to face them until the finals and that’s where we aim to be. Maybe they’ll be there too.

Well the postseason is still a ways away and we still have a lot of work to do. I can guarantee that we’ll continue to work hard and keep this momentum going. Until then, we’ll see you at the Garden. Let’s go Celtics.

Paul Pierce's Truth on Health campaign empowers and encourages young people to lead healthier lives by providing them with the information, resources, and tools necessary to become more active and physically fit. To learn more, visit www.truthonhealth.org

Follow Paul Pierce on Twitter @PaulPierce34 and @TruthonHealth and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/paulpierce

About the author

Paul Pierce is the captain of the Boston Celtics. Pierce has spent his entire career with the Celtics since being drafted in 1998 out of Kansas, and led them to their 17th NBA Championship in 2008, when he was the NBA Finals MVP.
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